[A cephalometric analysis of cases with open bite].

A cephalometric study of 46 cases of both sexes, with open bite (experimental group), aged 10 to 18 years, was performed. The control group consisted of 180 cases with normal occlusion. A total, of 38 linear and angular variables were analyzed. Age variable as well as sex-related differences were also estimated. Compared with the control group, experimental group demonstrated significantly higher mean values for the following variables: lower segment of the mandibular angle, mandibular angle, basal angle, Bjork's polygon, mandibular anterior cranial base planes angle and Y-axis angle. The proportion between the facial hights was significantly decreased in the experimental group. In addition, retroclination of the lower incisors was significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group. Only four linear variables showed significant sex-differences. It may be concluded that there are no significant sex difference for most of morphological characteristics of the viscerocranium.